Latest news with #MidWalesGrowthDeal
Business News Wales
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Phase 1 Investment Approved for CAT's Transformational Cynefin Project
The Mid Wales Growth Deal has taken another major step forward with the approval of funding for the first phase of the Cynefin project, led by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth. Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board has approved support for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the 'transformational' project to the point of delivery. This includes: Significant remodelling and future-proofing of the WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building Renovating the Quarry Cottages Significant upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre Each element plays a critical role in strengthening CAT's educational and visitor offer. This phase will also consider site-wide regenerative strategies for energy, water, waste and infrastructure improvements. These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community – enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation. CAT's Cynefin development project is a major new initiative designed to enhance its site, facilities and impact, creating a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The project aims to support a just transition to a zero-carbon future through expanded access, collaboration, and place-based sustainability education. This initial investment is not just about physical upgrades but also about enabling a sustainable future. Enhancing learning environments, increasing accommodation capacity, and futureproofing infrastructure will help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change. Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. Cynefin is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' Joint Chairs of the GMW Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but also enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'With Welsh Government support, the Mid Wales Growth Deal is leading the way in developing solutions that benefit both people and planet, creating a more resilient regional economy and tackling our most pressing environmental challenges. The Cynefin project will not only deliver real benefits for our communities but also strengthen the region's green economy.' Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales. This is another great example of how the Mid Wales Growth Deal is helping to deliver that mission and contribute to a sustainable future.' A phased approach means the project is being delivered in manageable stages, unlocking funding at key stages of development. As the project progresses, future phases will further enhance CAT's capacity to deliver immersive learning, support green skills development and welcome a wider community of visitors and changemakers.
Cambrian News
18 hours ago
- Business
- Cambrian News
Centre for Alternative Tech redevelopment set to begin as funding approved
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is set to go ahead as funding has been approved. After years of jumping through funding hoops, CAT in Machynlleth has now been given the go-ahead for its first phase of redevelopment works to improve visitor services. The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding will enable the 'detailed design and specification work' for remodelling and future proofing the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages and upgrading the Straw Bale Theatre. The WISE building is set to get significant remodelling and future-proofing ( Centre for Alternative Technology ) Eileen Kinsman, Co-CEO of the Centre for Alternative Technology, said: 'We are delighted to receive this support through the Mid Wales Growth Deal. 'It brings renewed confidence in our vision and enables us to begin significant upgrades to our unique WISE building. 'Cynefin [the name of the upgrade project] is about imagining a zero-carbon future and building the networks, skills and spaces to help make it happen. 'This is a crucial step in ensuring CAT continues to inspire, educate, and lead the way on climate solutions – regionally and beyond.' The Mid Wales Growth Deal funding has been discussed since 2019, however in late 2023, CAT, an environmental charity and learning institute, was forced to close to visitors due to financial constraints. The charity had originally estimated that Phase 1 of the works would start in spring 2023. This first phase is part of CAT's wider plans to reimagine the institution as a 'world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community, enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation'. CAT leaders have a vision to renew the look and feel of the learning centre to create fresh interest in the eco-centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd ) By enhancing its learning environments, expanding accommodation capacity and improving its site infrastructure, the charity aims to attract more postgraduate students, welcome a wider range of visitors and 'demonstrate climate leadership' through its operations. The end result is refurbished teaching and workshop spaces, new exhibition spaces, an expanded cafe, nature trails and a new welcome centre. Joint Chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: 'This marks an important moment for Mid Wales. 'The Cynefin project is not only preserving a key regional asset but enhancing our capacity to lead in low-carbon innovation, education, and sustainable tourism. 'We're proud to support this first step in what promises to be an exciting journey.' One of the only new buildings in the plans will be the Forum, which will encourage a new events programme to the centre ( Haworth Tompkins Ltd/ CAT ) This is just one of the Mid Wales Growth Deal funded projects with £110 million on offer, which aims to collectively create over 1,100 new jobs by 2032, increasing the value of goods and services of Wales by up to £700 million by 2032. Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. 'Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
Powys County Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Centre for Alternative Technology upgrade cash approved
A world-leading eco centre in Powys has reached a major milestone after funding was approved to create a vibrant hub for learning, innovation and community, rooted in Welsh culture and landscape. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) near Machynlleth will see significant remodelling and futureproofing of its WISE (Wales Institute for Sustainable Education) building, renovating the Quarry Cottages, and upgrades to the Straw Bale Theatre. The Growing Mid Wales (GMW) Board approved support on Wednesday (June 25) for detailed design and specification work to bring key elements of the project, called Cynefin, to delivery. The Mid Wales Growth Deal aims to create jobs and increase productivity through projects across Powys and Ceredigion with £110m investment from the UK and Welsh Governments. "These early works form part of a wider plan to reimagine CAT as a world-class hub for sustainability, learning and community - enhancing its role as a catalyst for climate action and green innovation," a Mid Wales Growth Deal spokesperson said. "The Cynefin project reflects the Mid Wales region's ambition to lead in green innovation. "By creating a more immersive, inspiring and accessible experience for learners, tourists and changemakers, it will drive footfall and economic growth in the area, while also supporting vital work to tackle climate change." The CAT is an internationally respected environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK. The Cynefin project aims to help CAT attract more postgraduate students, host a wider range of visitors, and demonstrate climate leadership through its operations. Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government is proud of our investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal and in projects like Cynefin that support local jobs, education, and innovation. "Our number one mission is to kickstart economic growth in every corner of Wales.
Powys County Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
£4m Powys business fund is launched at Abermule event
A £4 million pot has been launched to help businesses in Powys to expand. The Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund, launched through the Mid Wales Growth Deal (Growing Mid Wales), aims to help businesses invest in new or expanded premises. The issue is considered by officials to be one of the key challenges facing growing businesses in the region. A launch event held at CMD Ltd - part of yacht parts company Makefast Group and based at Abermule Business Park - brought together businesses from across the region to highlight the fund. Businesses heard how CMD had expanded into its new home backed by Powys County Council and Welsh Government in 2022. Councillor Bryan Davies, leader of Ceredigion County Council, and Councillor James Gibson-Watt, leader of Powys County Council, co-chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, said: "This fund is a significant step in supporting business growth across Mid Wales. "By providing targeted investment in commercial premises, we are helping businesses expand, create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy. Ensuring access to suitable infrastructure is vital for sustainable development." CMD managing director Jack Miller added: 'We were delighted to host the launch of this important initiative. "The Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund presents a valuable opportunity for companies in the region to expand and thrive, contributing to the overall prosperity of our community.' Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'By addressing the critical infrastructure needs of growing enterprises, we are not just supporting individual businesses but strengthening the entire regional economy. "This investment, through a £55m Welsh Government contribution into the Mid Wales Growth Deal, will help unlock potential, create quality jobs, and build a more resilient economic future for communities across Mid Wales.' The launch event was fully booked. but a follow-up webinar will be held on Thursday, May 15, from 2.30pm until 4pm, providing the same information about the fund, including how to apply. To register email growingmidwales@ Eligible applicants must be private businesses that are formally constituted as a company or a partnership, and operate in specific sectors including construction, electrical and plumbing, information and communications, manufacturing, professional services, real estate, and wholesale, retail and motor trade. The fund is not open to speculative property developers, public bodies, or charities.
Business News Wales
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Mid Wales Commercial Property Fund Launches to Boost Business Growth
A brand-new capital investment fund to support business growth and expansion across Mid Wales has been launched. The Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund, launched through the Mid Wales Growth Deal (Growing Mid Wales), aims to help businesses invest in new or expanded premises – tackling one of the key challenges facing growing enterprises in the region. It is a limited fund of £4 million at this stage. The launch event at CMD Ltd (part of the Makefast Group), Abermule Business Park, brought together businesses from across the region to learn more about the fund. During the event, businesses heard how CMD successfully expanded into their new home through the support of Powys County Council and Welsh Government. Attendees also took a tour of their site, which they moved into in 2022, to see first-hand how investment in commercial premises can support business growth in Mid Wales. Speaking at the event, Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, and Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, Co-Chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, said: 'This fund is a significant step in supporting business growth across Mid Wales. By providing targeted investment in commercial premises, we are helping businesses expand, create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy. Ensuring access to suitable infrastructure is vital for sustainable development.' Jack Miller, Managing Director, CMD Ltd added: 'We were delighted to host the launch of this important initiative. The Mid Wales Commercial Property Investment Fund presents a valuable opportunity for companies in the region to expand and thrive, contributing to the overall prosperity of our community.' Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The Commercial Property Investment Fund shows our commitment to creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish in Mid Wales. By addressing the critical infrastructure needs of growing enterprises, we are not just supporting individual businesses but strengthening the entire regional economy. This investment, through a £55 million Welsh Government contribution into the Mid Wales Growth Deal, will help unlock potential, create quality jobs, and build a more resilient economic future for communities across Mid Wales.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'I'm delighted that money from the UK Government funded Mid Wales Growth Deal is being used to help businesses expand and find new premises via the Commercial Property Investment Fund. The UK Government has made economic growth the key mission of our Plan for Change, and we are driving that forward in every part of Wales, helping remove barriers to growth and supporting businesses to create new jobs.' Due to high demand, the launch event was fully booked. However, a follow-up webinar will be held on Thursday, 15th May, from 2:30 to 4:00pm. This online session will provide the same key information about the fund, including how to apply, and is open to all interested businesses. To register for the webinar, email: growingmidwales@ The fund is targeted at specific business sectors. Eligible applicants must be private businesses that are formally constituted as a Company (Limited Company or Limited by Guarantee) or a Partnership (with a Partnership Agreement), and operate in specific sectors including Construction, Electrical and Plumbing, Information and Communications, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Real Estate, and Wholesale, Retail and Motor Trade. The fund is not open to speculative property developers, public bodies, or charities. Further information about the fund is available here .
